The rapid churn of councillors leaving or being suspended by Reform UK since the May 2026 local elections is becoming an increasingly serious problem for the party’s claims of professionalism, discipline and readiness for power. Barely weeks after a strong set of local election performances across England, the party has already seen a growing list of councillors resign, defect, face suspension, or become embroiled in controversy.
The scale of the departures is striking not simply because of the numbers involved, but because many of the cases involve allegations of racism, extremist content, offensive social media activity, criminal convictions or internal infighting. Critics argue that the incidents reveal deep flaws in Reform’s candidate vetting procedures, while supporters of the party insist rapid expansion inevitably brings growing pains.
Among the most high-profile cases was Jay Cooper in Sefton, who became politically toxic almost immediately after reports resurfaced alleging he had described the Holocaust as a hoax. Nigel Farage publicly declared Cooper “not welcome” in the party before Cooper resigned altogether.
Equally damaging were the twin cases involving Stuart Prior, who had been elected to two separate councils. Prior was expelled by Reform after allegations emerged concerning racist and Islamophobic social media posts. He subsequently resigned his council positions, creating immediate embarrassment for a party attempting to present itself as a credible governing force.
In Sheffield, Reform faced multiple controversies. Nathaniel Menday was suspended after reports he had shared images connected to far-right symbolism, including swastikas, Mein Kampf and Sonnenrad imagery. Fellow Sheffield councillor Mick Lee also quit the party amid internal disputes surrounding local branch leadership elections.
Meanwhile in Sunderland, Glenn Gibbins was suspended following allegations of racism and, notably, has reportedly still not signed his declaration of office to formally take up his seat. In Plymouth, Ben Rowe was suspended after repeated criticism over offensive social media posts.
Other councillors departed under less ideological but equally destabilising circumstances. Joseph Soper resigned citing family illness, while Marc Stanley stepped down because of “a change in personal circumstances”. Danielle Cavanagh resigned as a councillor altogether, and Nick Farmer quietly disappeared from listings as a Reform representative.
Perhaps the most bizarre scandal involved Stephen Mousdell, who resigned only a day after reports emerged linking him to pornographic videos online. In Bradford, confusion continues around Daniel Devaney, who reportedly attempted to withdraw before polling day but was elected regardless. It remains unclear whether he will formally resign his council seat.
The turmoil extends beyond councillors elected in May 2026. Reform has also continued shedding councillors elected in previous years. In Worcestershire, former Reform council leader Jo Monk was suspended for allegedly refusing to accept the democratic decisions of the party group. Her son, Ashley Monk, was also suspended for allegedly bringing the party into disrepute before later resigning to sit as an independent on Redditch Council.
County Durham has proven particularly unstable for Reform. Andrew Harrison and Kenny Hope were both suspended before quitting the party to become independents, while Kate Rowland also resigned from Reform to sit independently.
Elsewhere, Barry Martin resigned amid scrutiny over upheld complaints relating to his social media activity, although health issues and bereavement were also cited. In Cambridgeshire, Andy Osborn was disqualified after being convicted of breaking the law.
Lincolnshire councillor Trevor Bridgwood also left Reform following controversy surrounding social media activity and an ultimatum reportedly issued by the party. Like Stuart Prior, Bridgwood’s departure affected two councils simultaneously because he served on both Lincolnshire and West Lindsey councils.
In Cornwall, Jamie Hanlon became yet another councillor to leave Reform only weeks after election victories. Even parish council level politics has not escaped controversy, with Winterbourne by-election candidate Paul Heyward suspended during the campaign period.
Perhaps most politically damaging of all was a BBC report revealing that one Reform councillor elected on promises to tackle anti-social behaviour had herself been convicted of assault only months before the election.
The mounting controversies create a serious strategic problem for Reform UK. The party’s electoral rise has been built heavily on arguments that the established parties are incompetent, corrupt or lacking standards. Yet the growing catalogue of suspensions, resignations and scandals risks undermining Reform’s own claim to offer a cleaner alternative.
For opponents, the list reinforces accusations that Reform expanded too quickly and failed to properly scrutinise candidates before elections. For supporters, the party’s willingness to suspend or expel problematic councillors demonstrates a tougher disciplinary approach than some rivals have shown historically.
Either way, the speed with which Reform has already lost councillors after the May 2026 elections has become one of the defining political stories of the local government cycle and raises broader questions about whether the party’s organisational structure is capable of coping with rapid electoral growth.
In Kent
Apparently in Kent each council meeting now has to begin with the Lord’s Prayer.
Thus for those who have forgotten how it goes here it is
No doubt it will get worse as we experience the hot weather.
